CHAPTER THREE
“Oh. My. God!” Kerri sat in her seat, stunned by what had just happened. Her entire body felt flushed and overheated, and tonight it had nothing to do with the building’s faulty air conditioner and everything to do with the man who’d just issued her an on-the-air challenge. She glanced into the booth next to hers where her friend stood with a goofy grin on her face.
“I can’t believe Ian did that,” Kerri said, tugging off her headset as she vocalized her upset. “On the air, no less!” They’d been flirting, engaging in their nightly ritual of scintillating banter and heating up the airwaves, and then bam! “He asked me out on a date in front of thousands of listeners!”
Carly shrugged very unsympathetically. “What can I say other than it’s about damn time!”
Kerri gaped at her in disbelief. “How can you be such a traitor and side with him? What Ian did is like…like…” She grasped for the right words and blurted them out in a rush of breath, “Emotional blackmail!”
Carly frowned, her expression turning perplexed. “How do you figure that?”
She waved an impatient hand in the air, the gesture doing nothing to ease her frustration, only serving to stir the stifling, stuffy air around her. “He put me on the spot, knowing that if I said no and rejected his overture it would bring on a whole lot of sympathy for him with my listeners.” Her lips stretched into a grim line. “This wasn’t supposed to happen.” Ever.
“It was a natural progression, Kerri,” Carly said, her tone much too logical for Kerri, who was feeling anything but reasonable after being thrown for such an unexpected loop. “Honestly, I’m surprised it took him this long to ask you out.”
“I liked things the way they were, thank you very much.” No pressure, no expectations. Just harmless fun and playful flirtations. Ha! “What the hell am I going to do now?”
“Well…” Carly’s eyes glowed devilishly. “You can always say yes.”
“Are you nuts?” Jumping up from her chair, Kerri paced her small cubicle, keeping an eye on the two minutes she had left before she had to be back on the air. With Ian. Addressing the issue he’d dropped on her and her listeners.
She groaned. “I didn’t ask for this. I don’t even know the guy. Not really.” He was a seductive voice she debated with, and a gorgeous, arousing figment of her imagination. A perfect, illicit fantasy she took home with her at night to keep her company in the darkest hours before dawn.
Now he wanted to become flesh-and-blood real. She shivered at the thought.
“You know him, Kerri,” Carly said, trying to convince her. “Better than you want to admit. The two of you have been on the air together nearly every night for a month.” She laughed with a small degree of amusement. “Heck, the two of you communicate better than most husbands and wives. You’re open, and candid. And you have to agree that all your sexy talk is great foreplay.”
Kerri rolled her eyes. “It’s entertainment, Carly!”
“So is accepting a date with Ian. Your listeners would eat that up.”
They stared at each other through the glass partition, neither one willing to back down.
Carly sighed. “What could it hurt to say yes and go out with him? You’ve been on blind dates before, and this basically would be the same thing.”
“All my blind dates have been disastrous,” she reminded her friend pointedly.
“You might get lucky with Ian.” She waggled her brows in a very suggestive way. “In more ways than one.”
Inhaling a calming breath, Kerri dragged her fingers through her loose hair, pulling the strands away from her face. How could she explain to Carly that she didn’t want to shatter the fantasy she and Ian had created on the air? That a part of her didn’t believe that reality could come close to matching the torrid, perfect fantasies she had about him? That meeting in person could destroy the sensual magic between them? That she harbored insecurities that went way beyond that initial face-to-face meeting with Ian?
“The phone lines are going crazy, and you’ve got about another thirty seconds before you need to get back on the air.” Carly’s voice gentled. “It’s all about ratings, Kerri, and you know that can’t hurt any of us right now.”
She pointed a finger her friend’s way. “Now, that’s emotional blackmail.”
“No, it’s the cold, hard truth,” she stated bluntly. “But imagine what this could do for your name, Heat Waves, and the station.”
Kerri hated like hell to admit it, but Carly was right. Hadn’t she, herself, seen the interest in Ian’s nightly calls to the show steadily climb? Her devoted fans were demanding more, mesmerized by her on-air relationship with Ian. Now he was offering her the incentive to keep her listeners’ interest piqued in a whole new forum. A very public forum.
Her stomach twisted in knots and she chewed on her thumbnail. She disliked the thought of depending on Ian, or anyone else for that matter, to raise her ratings. But she couldn’t deny that he’d helped to elevate her standing in radio during the past month. And with the sale of WTLK, her future as a successful talk show DJ was on the line…whether with this station, or another.
Bottom line, she needed those ratings. And she needed Ian to help her increase her listener base.
And there was the rub to the situation. Three years ago she’d sworn she’d never need another man again, yet here she was, put in the position of relying on Ian to push her career to new heights. She couldn’t make that climb without him, not easily, anyway. Not after the way he’d made himself such an integral part of her show. Not after the way he’d endeared himself to her audience.
And especially not after he’d asked her out on a date. Refusing him would cast her in a very insensitive light to the thousands of women who’d accepted Ian as their fantasy, too. Turning him down would be professional suicide, and both she and Carly knew it.
“He’s waiting, Kerri,” Carly said, interrupting her thoughts. “And so are your listeners. Ten seconds to airtime.”
Taking her seat in front of the microphone, she adjusted her headset and prepared to sacrifice herself at the proverbial altar…all in the name of ratings and preserving her professional integrity with her audience.
She lifted her chin and bolstered her fortitude. If Ian was intent on taking their on-the-air relationship out in public, then she’d take advantage of the situation for all it was worth and grasp whatever attention and publicity that came her way as a result of their date.
She pressed a button on the control panel that put her back on the air. “Welcome back to Heat Waves, and we’re definitely sizzling tonight. I apologize for leaving you all hanging. If you were stunned by Ian’s proposal, then you can imagine how I felt.” She laughed lightly, forcing the tension within her to dissolve. “But that’s one of the entertaining things about live radio. It’s unrehearsed, and sometimes uncensored. Ian’s question was both.”
She closed her eyes, and took the big plunge. “I’m sure you’re all wondering what I told Ian…yes, or no. Actually, I haven’t spoken to him since he popped the big question; he’s been on hold all this time. Since you, my listeners, have been following my nightly debates with Ian, I’ve decided to let you decide whether or not I should accept a date with him.” She blinked her eyes open again and looked at Carly, who expressed her approval with a grin and thumbs-up sign. Kerri wished she felt half as enthusiastic. “The phone lines are open and I want to hear from you, so call me and cast your vote.”
By silent agreement, Carly spoke to Ian privately and jotted down his phone number for Kerri to call him back later after she’d polled her audience’s opinions on the air. Listener reaction to the unexpected twist in her show was enthusiastic and supportive, and the results of her inquiry were concluded in a resounding, unanimous yes.
The man had way too much influence over her listeners, who were completely and totally enthralled by him. Not that she could blame them when he’d managed to charm her, as well, over the past month. She’d just never, ever, expected to find herself face-to-face with Mr. Sexy Voice.
She was going out on a date with Ian. She shook her head in final defeat, wondering how tonight’s topic had gotten so out of hand. Good Lord, if talk of sex and kisses instigated a date, what would happen when she discussed orgasms on tomorrow night’s show? At the erotic thoughts filling her mind, her skin puckered with gooseflesh.
During the next commercial break, Kerri took a private, off-the-air moment to dial the number Ian had left with Carly. She assumed he’d been listening to her show during the voting process, knew the outcome had leaned heavily in his favor, and her calling was just a formality to congratulate him and set up the where and when of their date.
Obviously expecting her, he answered with a deep, gracious, “Hello?”
She couldn’t contain the smile tugging at the corner of her mouth, despite the turmoil he’d put her through. “Looks like you win, Ian.”
“I’d like to think we both win, Kerri.” His sensual insinuation was unmistakable.
More tingling along her arms, across her breasts, down to the pit of her belly. Oh, Lord, what had she gotten herself into? A big mess, that was for sure!
She rubbed her damp palms down the skirt of her dress and got down to the unavoidable business at hand. “I have a few stipulations I need you to agree to before we take this any further. First of all, this has to be a double date.” There was no negotiating that request. She was being cautious and playing it smart. There was safety in numbers, and considering she didn’t really know him, despite how Carly felt, Kerri wouldn’t meet him alone and take any chances.
“I understand,” he said easily, and without any hesitation. “In fact, I’d be worried if you didn’t bring someone along this first time.”
This first time. As if there would be many dates to come. Sheesh. The man’s confidence amazed her. And excited her.
“It’ll be with my station manager, Dan, and Carly, whom you’ve already met over the phone,” she said, reeling in her two friends on this scheme whether they liked it or not. “And we’ll meet you at a designated place.”
“All right,” he said agreeably. “Name the day, place and time, and I’ll be there.”
Without argument, he was leaving all the details up to her. She appreciated the control and his cooperation. It made her feel much more comfortable knowing she was the one in charge of their…date.
“Let’s make it for tomorrow night,” she said, figuring Friday evening before her show would be ideal for all of them. And in a casual setting, too. “Do you know Pizzeria Uno?”
“The one on East Ohio Street?”
She nodded, then realized he couldn’t see her. “Yep, that’s the one. I take it you’ve been there before?”
“Umm, they make the best deep-dish pizza in all of Chicago.”
He was familiar with the city, at least. She wondered how long he’d lived in Chicago, what he did for a living…the kind of personal stuff they’d avoided talking about on her show, but would now have the time and opportunity to explore deeper.
Oh, boy. “How about we meet there for dinner at let’s say, seven?”
“That works for me.”
Two thoughts occurred to her at the same time. “Ian?”
“Yes?”
“I don’t know your last name.” It hadn’t mattered before, nor had it been necessary. Now it was one more step to becoming familiar with each other beyond the on-the-air acquaintances they’d been for the past month.
“Carlisle,” he said, his voice low and seductively rich. “Ian Carlisle.”
Nice. Very nice. She bit her bottom lip, worried on it for a few extra seconds before posing her next comment. “And I have no idea what you look like.” She hoped he’d give her something to banish the image she’d given Tori earlier that day…of a couch-potato kind of guy with a beer belly and receding hairline.
“Don’t worry, I know what you look like and I’ll approach you when you arrive at the restaurant.”
She frowned. “You know what I look like, but I don’t even know what color your hair or eyes are.” She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her skin along her neck damp to the touch. “I’m feeling at a distinct disadvantage here.”
“You won’t be for long,” he promised, but offered nothing more.
She accepted his terms, figuring he was entitled to a few of his own. “After our date, you can call the station at ten tomorrow night and we’ll give everyone details on the air. Will that work for you?”
“Perfectly.”
“Great.” She swallowed against a sudden fluttering in her throat and sealed the deal with “Then it’s a date.”
There was only one question that remained…how would their date end…with a chaste kiss, or something more?
She’d have the answer to that in less than twenty-four hours.
* * *
Friday was the longest day of Kerri’s life, even though she and Carly spent the better part of the afternoon trudging down the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue. Her good friend insisted that she needed a new outfit for tonight’s occasion, and Kerri didn’t argue. Not only did she need to keep her mind occupied or go crazy, but she figured a new dress wouldn’t hurt, either.
Much to her dismay, she’d splurged on more than a soft suede miniskirt and silky tank top at Ann Taylor. After a spontaneous stop at a beauty shop for a manicure and pedicure, Kerri hadn’t been able to pass up the pretty open-toed sandals she’d been eyeing for the past few weeks that matched her outfit perfectly. And when Carly pulled her into Victoria’s Secret for a lacy teddy in Carly’s quest to “bring Dan to his knees,” Kerri hadn’t been able to resist buying something frilly and sexy for herself, too—something other than the practical cotton underwear she normally wore. With Carly’s coaxing, she’d indulged in half a dozen bikini-style panties, and an under-wire bra in sheer chantilly lace that lifted and enhanced her B-cup size breasts and gave her more cleavage than she’d ever had before.
Now, wearing the complete ensemble as she, Carly and Dan crossed the parking lot and headed along the sidewalk leading to the front entrance of Pizzeria Uno, she was glad she’d treated herself to those simple luxuries because it gave her a much needed boost of confidence. Anticipation and anxiety clashed inside her; the butterflies swarming in her stomach were a result of pure adrenaline and frayed nerves.
She had no idea what to expect of Ian, or tonight, and that had her tied up in knots, too. She’d dated a few men since coming to Chicago, but none had had the restless kind of effect on her that Ian did—just from the sexy sound of his voice and the seemingly effortless way he seduced her mind. All of those other men who’d come and gone had been safe, because they affected neither her emotions nor her hormones. Ian had a way of shaking up both, and that was a combination she’d avoided for the past three years in an effort to focus on her career.
She’d be a liar if she said she wasn’t drawn to the Ian she’d come to know on the air, and making this leap to something far more tangible and real struck a dose of fear within her. By agreeing to meet with him she was tearing down the barriers that kept her safe and secure behind a microphone. Untouchable. Now there was nothing to stop temptation from taking its natural course. And because she was so strongly attracted to Ian she was afraid of getting carried away into a deeper, more serious involvement. Afraid of forgetting lessons learned and losing herself as she had with her ex-boyfriend.
Never again. She refused to become a carbon copy of her mother and sister—using men for security and sacrificing everything in return. Being meek and mild and always answering to a man. Giving up the freedom to do what you want, be what you want, without having to ask permission or approval.
Banishing those thoughts to the far recesses of her mind, she smoothed a hand down the side of her skirt. Remembering a caller’s advice from a few nights ago, she pulled her shoulders back, lifted her chin, and did her best to exude poise and confidence. It was all a matter of keeping everything in perspective. And that meant staying in control, keeping her emotions at a distance, having fun with this and keeping it light.
“You really do look like a million bucks, Kerri,” Dan complimented from a few steps behind her and Carly on the brick-inlaid sidewalk.
“Thanks, Dan,” she said from over her shoulder, and grinned wryly. “That’s just about what the outfit cost me.”
“It was definitely worth it.” His dark eyes took in the little red dress that Carly wore just as appreciatively. “I’m guessing that you spent twice that much,” he said to his girlfriend, “because you look like two million bucks.”
Carly beamed, her skin flushed from his praise. “If you think the dress looks good, just wait until you see what I’m wearing beneath it.” She wiggled her bottom enticingly.
Dan groaned. “You’re going to kill me yet, woman.”
Kerri laughed, grateful for the lighthearted moment. “Then give her what she wants.”
“I give her plenty to keep her satisfied,” he replied. “I’m in the same mind as your Ian. Romance and seduction. Besides, she might not buy the cow if she’s getting the milk for free.”
Kerri heard Dan’s amusing witticism, but her mind latched on to only one part of his comment. “He’s not my Ian.”
Carly gave her a playful nudge in her side as they rounded the corner to the restaurant. “I’m sure he could be, if you played your cards right.”
Kerri wasn’t sure what cards she wanted to play with Ian. She supposed it all depended on how tonight went and if their on-the-air chemistry was evident once they met face-to-face. Even then, where would it all lead? She’d find out soon enough.
A small crowd stood out in front of the establishment as people waited for their names to be called for a table. Heads casually turned her way as she approached the entrance, and she found the combination of subtle and bold stares unnerving. Especially since she had no idea who Ian was or what he looked like. He could be watching her at this very moment and she wouldn’t even know. A shiver coursed down her spine at the thought.
“Why don’t you two wait out here, and I’ll go and check on the reservations I made earlier today and see if Ian has checked in with the hostess,” Dan said, then left Carly and Kerri standing out front while he went into the busy establishment.
The evening was warm and sultry, making Kerri’s skin shimmer from the humidity. Nervously, her fingers fluttered through her hair to push it away from her face, which she’d left down and slightly curled at the ends so it brushed her shoulders.
Antsy from the anticipation of waiting, Kerri shifted on her sandaled feet and glanced at the people around her. Her perusal came to a skidding halt when she met the striking green-eyed gaze of a man standing by himself about ten feet away. Awareness filled her and her pulse quickened. He was gorgeous—from his thick black hair that was cut in a neat executive style, to his broad shoulders encased in a blue knit collared shirt and jeans that molded to an athletic body made for sin. Everything about him was pure, unadulterated male, and he took her breath away.
He was, most definitely, a hottie.
He hooked his thumbs in the front pocket of his jeans, his sensual mouth curving upward in the kind of lazy smile she’d imagined a hundred times in her head. A delicious warmth settled low, arousing her as if he’d caressed her with more than just his heated gaze.
She swallowed hard. Unable to look away, she willed him to move toward her and introduce himself as Ian Carlisle…until her attention was pulled away from him by Carly’s startled gasp.
Her friend clutched her arm as a choked sound escaped her. “Oh, God, Kerri, I’m sorry,” she whispered frantically. “Please forgive me for talking you into doing this.”
Kerri frowned in confusion, having no idea what Carly was talking about until she glanced up again and spotted a portly man who looked old enough to be her father approaching her with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. He stopped directly in front of her, his eyes shining with excitement and awe.
Every fantasy Kerri had ever had about Ian withered away in that moment. Her comment to Carly about a guy having a voice as incredible as Ian’s had to have been shortchanged in the looks department came back to haunt her. Her prediction had come true.
She gulped, her chest tightening with disappointment—not that she’d let this man in front of her see her shock. She forced a polite smile, even as she wondered how she was going to survive the next few hours. “Ian?”
The man’s bushy brows rose high over his whiskey-colored eyes. “Uh, no. My name is Barry, and I’m the manager here. My wife and I listen to your show, Heat Waves, all the time and I’m a huge fan. I was talking to that gentleman back there who’s here for your date, and told him how much I’d love to meet you and get your autograph, and he said I could do the honors and present you with these flowers while I was at it.”
He brandished the bouquet with a flourish, and she took the floral display from him. “Thank you,” she murmured, the scent of roses filling her senses. Still uncertain about who her actual date was, and not willing to assume anything at this point, she asked, “What guy are you talking about, Barry?”
“Ian,” he said, as if she should have known. “Your nightly caller. He’s right over there.” He pointed to the man lounging against the metal railing circling the outdoor seating area.
She heard Carly’s breath rush out of her lungs in a grateful sigh, which matched Kerri’s own relief.
As soon as their gazes meet again, Ian grinned, his eyes twinkling mischievously. The man most definitely had a sense of humor to go with all that devastating sex appeal.
She turned back to the manager of Pizzeria Uno and shook his hand warmly. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Barry. If you have a business card, I’d be happy to send you an autographed publicity photo and other promotional items.”
As Barry dug a card from his wallet, a woman standing to her left tapped her on the shoulder. “Excuse me, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but are you Kerri McCree?” she asked while the rest of the people in her party stared expectantly.
Kerri smiled and nodded. “Yes, I am.”
The other woman’s face lit up. “Oh, wow, this is so cool! You’re here for your date with Ian, aren’t you?”
And that’s all it took for word to spread. Kerri had never considered herself famous before, or even a highly recognizable name, but in the blink of an eye her status as a radio talk-show host had been elevated. And for those who’d never heard of her name and her show, they were quickly filled in on the details of Heat Waves and the much anticipated date with Ian.
Everyone watched in interest and fascination as the gorgeous bystander slowly made his way across the distance separating them, his sole focus on her. For Kerri, everything and everyone around them faded away as he filled her vision.
“That was a rotten trick,” she said when he finally stood in front of her, larger than life and more seductive than in her dreams. Her nostrils flared as she inhaled a subtle but warm and woodsy scent emanating from him.
He gave a one-shouldered shrug, and even that nonchalant gesture was overwhelmingly sexy. “You certainly made Barry’s evening.” His voice was familiar and rich, making her burn deep inside.
This man, without a doubt, was Ian.
A smile teased her lips. “It made your night, too, judging by that devious pleasure I see twinkling in your eyes.” Incredible bedroom eyes. The kind that could undress a woman in a single, calculated glance.
He didn’t deny her claim, making it obvious that he’d enjoyed the mix-up.
“Thank you for the roses,” she said, motioning to the bouquet in her hand. “They’re beautiful. I can’t remember the last time someone gave me flowers.” She licked her bottom lip, feeling another bout of nerves swell within her.
“You’re welcome.” His gaze dropped to her lips, caressing them as intimately as her tongue had, then slowly lifted back to her eyes. “I can’t remember the last time I gave a woman flowers, and I wanted to make sure I made a good first impression.”
She laughed softly at that. “Considering who you sent to deliver them, you made an impression I’ll never forget.” She extended her right hand for him to shake. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Ian Carlisle.”
“Likewise.” He slipped his hand into hers. His palm was large, his fingers long, his grasp engulfing her in startling heat. “Your publicity photo doesn’t do you justice. You’re beyond beautiful.”
Then he leaned forward and brushed a warm, chaste kiss on her cheek, giving credence to the romance he’d talked about on her show. Oh, and the seduction, too. She was halfway there, melting with every touch and every word he spoke.
“Oh, wow,” an unfamiliar female voice exclaimed from somewhere behind Kerri, bringing her back to the present with a jolt. “If he’s starting the date with a kiss, I can only imagine how the date will end!”
“Tune in to tonight’s show on WTLK to find out,” Carly said cheekily, stirring interest for Heat Waves and taking advantage of the free publicity while she could.
Dan joined them, and introductions were made all around. Barry ushered them inside and away from the eager fans wanting Kerri’s autograph or a glimpse at Ian. The manager insisted on seating them at one of the tables that was tucked into a corner and away from most prying eyes. As they followed Barry through the dim restaurant, Ian rested his fingers at the base of her spine to guide her. The gesture was polite and gentlemanly, without any sexual connotation whatsoever, yet his touch instigated a conflagration of excitement to flow through her veins.
And that’s when she knew she was in big, big trouble. Could she resist this man who made her crave long pent-up desires? And did she really want to? The feverish question preyed on her mind.
After sitting down and agreeing on the Chicago classic deep-dish pizza, the four of them eased into a relaxed, casual conversation about the radio station and the hype surrounding tonight’s get-together. The verbal exchange between her and Ian was light and lively, and surprisingly without the reserve or awkwardness that normally accompanied a first date. She’d known him for a month, but it felt as if she’d been with him for years. While there was no denying the mutual chemistry they’d both wondered about, there was also a mental connection between them that transcended their physical attraction.
The arrival of their dinner created a pause in conversation. After a few bites and appreciative murmurs over the delicious flavor, Carly looked across the table at Ian.
“So, Ian, how long have you lived in Chicago and what do you do for a living?” she asked, her inquiry direct and blunt.
Kerri nearly choked on the bite of pizza she’d been swallowing, mortified at Carly’s not-so-subtle ploy to pump information out of Ian. “Geez, Carly, Ian’s not here for an interrogation.”
Dan smothered a grin, used to his girlfriend’s outspoken ways. Carly blinked at her innocently as if to say “what did I do?” but Kerri knew better than to fall for the act. Carly wanted the goods on Ian to size up his suitability.
Kerri glanced at the man sitting next to her, who looked more amused than annoyed at Carly’s third degree. “You don’t have to answer those personal questions.”
“I don’t mind,” he assured her easily, and swiped his napkin across his mouth. He met her gaze and smiled. “A first date is all about getting to know each other, isn’t it?”
There was something about his statement Kerri wanted to argue. Maybe it was the subtle suggestion that if he shared something, she should offer a bit about herself in return. Intimate details and secrets that would give depth and insight to who she was underneath the radio personality.
She wasn’t ready or willing to give him a glimpse into her soul, that part of herself she’d kept private and secure for the past three years. “You already know what I do for a living,” she said, keeping things superficial. “And I’ve been in Chicago for three years.”
He tipped his head curiously as he reached for another slice of pizza, feeding a healthy appetite. “Where did you live before that?”
Finished with her piece, she pushed her plate aside. “Southern California.”
His brows rose incredulously as he chewed a bite. “You left year-round warmth and sunshine for freezing cold winters and hot, humid summers?”
She laughed and stirred her straw in her drink. “You can’t imagine how many times I’ve asked myself the exact same thing when the wind-chill factor has hit below zero. I’m not a winter person at all. But the trade-offs were worth it.”
What those trade-offs were she wasn’t willing to divulge out loud. She’d been searching for independence and freedom, and a chance to prove herself in her career. Putting miles between the people in her life who didn’t understand her drive and ambition had been one of the first steps in gaining what she’d sought.
“So, where do you work?” she asked, redirecting the questions back to him.
“I’m an investment broker and the CEO of Winslow Financial Investment.”
“That’s impressive,” Carly cut in, sounding suitably wowed, by his profession and his position.
Kerri silently echoed her friend’s sentiment. Until today, she had no idea what to expect of Ian professionally. An investment broker fit his image. He looked the part with his clean-cut appearance and the aura of self-assurance that surrounded him. There was a keen intelligence and warmth in his eyes as he spoke of his business that no doubt soothed a client’s concerns or fears about parting with their money.
“It’s a job I enjoy,” he continued, glancing across the table at Carly and Dan, who listened with interest to his story. “I started investing and socking away money when I was a teenager. And when I was old enough I started playing the stock market. I had a knack for hitting when it was hot and making decent money out of a buck, and it all progressed from there.”
There wasn’t an ounce of conceit or pretentiousness coating his words, but Kerri got the distinct impression that Ian was very wealthy and his business did well. Whether or not he came from money she didn’t know, but there had been something in the depth of Ian’s gaze when he’d mentioned saving money as a teenager that led her to believe there was more struggle to his success tale. And that was something she understood all too well, since she was still struggling to make her mark in broadcasting.
“Are you from Chicago?” she asked, her fingers playing along the cool condensation on her glass.
“I’ve lived in Illinois all my life, but moved to Chicago when I was seventeen. I’ve been here ever since.”
He made no mention of his family, which Kerri found as interesting as her own omission of the mother and sister she’d left behind in California. Had he moved here with or without his family, and where were they now? Curious questions she wondered about but didn’t ask—she wasn’t ready to delve into more personal territory. With Ian, or herself.
He placed his napkin on his dish and sat back as their waiter cleared their table. His gaze unerringly found Kerri’s again in the dim lighting. “Chicago is a great city. Full of history and life and plenty of sex appeal.”
Kerri had never considered Chicago as seductive or alluring before and found his comment intriguing. “You really think Chicago is a sexy city?”
His lashes fell half-mast as a beguiling grin curved his mouth. “I suppose a person’s perception of Chicago being a sexy city has a lot to do with who you’re spending your nights with.”
Kerri’s heart thumped in her chest as awareness shimmered between the two of them. The meaning behind his words was unmistakable. He was spending his nights with her, on the air with the city of Chicago listening as they debated hot and provocative issues…
“He does have a point,” Carly chimed in, reflecting Kerri’s private thoughts. “The two of you on Heat Waves have made Chicago a very sexy city.”
Kerri cast Carly a direct look that relayed the silent message for her to not pursue the issue at hand. She could almost see the wheels in Carly’s mind churning, trying to figure out an angle to capitalize on Ian’s comment and put an “on the air” spin to it.
Dan cleared his throat, seemingly in tune to Kerri’s wish for someone to change the subject. She certainly couldn’t depend on her friend to look out for her best interests when Carly was so intent on exploiting the situation in any way she could to help out the station’s standing.
“Dessert anyone?” Dan asked.
“Not for me.” Kerri quickly jumped on the opportunity to put a damper on any intentions Carly might have had. “I’m stuffed.” She glanced at her watch, shocked to see that two hours had passed and it was a quarter after nine. “In fact, we’d better leave pretty quick so I don’t miss my shift.”
Dan nodded in agreement and motioned to the waiter for the bill. Carly propped her elbows on the table, rested her chin on her clasped hands and smiled very charmingly at Ian.
“You know,” Carly said, injecting an appropriate amount of persuasion into her voice, “I think it would be great if you came back to the station and reported live about the date.”
Kerri exhaled hard. She was going to strangle her friend, no doubt about it. “I’m sure Ian has better things to do than spend his evening down at the station.”
“Actually, I don’t have anything better to do,” Ian said. “I was just going to head back home and wait for your show to start. I think it would be fun to discuss our date together in the studio. What do you think, Kerri?”
He’d loaded the simple question with an irresistible challenge, which matched the daring light dancing in his eyes. She looked away and breathed slow and deep. She could hear Carly’s voice chanting in her mind: ratings, ratings, ratings.
But this wasn’t just about ratings. Not for her. And especially not since she’d met Ian in the flesh and was more attracted to him than ever. There seemed to be something more personal at stake, and she felt threatened by the powerful emotions he evoked after such a short time. Need and desire surged through her and left her feeling too weak and helpless to resist him.
Having him in the studio with her after their date would be a logical progression to their evening together, she told herself. Her listeners would relish their one-on-one interaction. She’d put her own misgivings aside. For tonight. For an hour. No more.
“All right,” she agreed.
Carly’s eyes gleamed with excitement as she sent Ian another engaging smile. “And if you could stay late tonight, maybe the two of you could discuss tonight’s topic on the air, too.”
Which was all about orgasms. Oy.
Kerri abruptly stood before Carly enlightened Ian on the evening’s subject matter. “While you’re taking care of the bill, Dan, I think Carly and I will visit the ladies’ room.” She grasped Carly’s sleeve and pulled, giving her friend no other choice but to come along or end up with a tear in her outfit. “We’ll meet you out front in a few minutes.”
Kerri was silent on the way to the restroom. Surprisingly, Carly remained quiet, too, but the surreptitious glances she kept sending Kerri’s way told Kerri that her friend knew what was coming and was awaiting the outburst.
Kerri washed her hands and waited for Carly to emerge from her stall. Once she did, Kerri got down to business. “What in the hell were you doing out there?”
Carly soaped up her hands and didn’t meet Kerri’s gaze in the mirror. “Just trying to take advantage of a good thing.”
Unfortunately, Kerri felt taken advantage of. “This is my show, Carly.”
“And I’m the program director, and my job is to make sure all the shows on WTLK are as appealing as possible,” she stated simply. After drying her hands on a paper towel, she dug into her purse for her lipstick and applied a slash of red to her mouth. “Imagine the response you’re going to get having Ian live in the studio with you. The two of you are going to literally heat up the airwaves—more than ever before.”
Kerri was feeling set up with Ian and resented being in such a vulnerable position. “Regardless, I don’t appreciate you interfering in my private life.”
Carly stopped fluffing her hair and lifted a brow at Kerri. “Who said anything about your private life, sweetie?” Her expression softened, a knowing glimmer in her eyes. “You like him, don’t you? You really, really like him, and that’s what really has you so on edge, isn’t it?”
Yeah, she liked Ian. Too much. There was no denying the plain truth. But it wasn’t only their extraordinary attraction that had her shaken and confused and on edge. Going out on a date with him was one thing—taking him back to the station with her was another. It was an act she found as intimate as inviting him back to her apartment.
He was going to invade her private territory. That small, confined space was hers alone and one she’d never shared with anyone. It was a sacred place where she felt safe and secure and was able to hide secrets and reactions behind a microphone.
Now he’d see the real Kerri behind the radio personality, and there would be no concealing anything from him. Certainly not her response to him, or her expressions that always gave away too much. Would he look at her while she addressed her audience and be able to tell just how little she really knew about orgasms?
At that disturbing thought, Kerri averted her gaze and rummaged through her purse for her roll of mints. She popped two into her mouth, too aware of how close she and Ian would be sitting next to each other in her studio.
Carly touched the tips of her fingers against Kerri’s back in a comforting gesture. “Why can’t you just enjoy this wild ride for what it is?”
She applied a slick coat of her cotton-candy lip gloss and sighed. “I don’t know what it is anymore,” she admitted.
“It is Ian,” Carly informed her. “And he’s a gorgeous hunk of a man, and he wants you as much as you want him, so take advantage of that rare chemistry—on the air, and off.”
Kerri mulled over Carly’s suggestion as they headed out of the restaurant to meet up with the guys, still having no idea where this one date would lead her. Having no idea if she had the courage and nerve to pursue an affair with the irrepressibly sexy Ian.
They ran into Barry at the front door and Kerri thanked him for his hospitality. As they exited the restaurant, the sultry night air clung to Kerri’s skin, increasing the restlessness within her.
Dan and Ian waited on the sidewalk, talking companionably. Her date was holding the flowers she left at the table, and this time he handed the bouquet of roses to her. “Can I drive you back to the station?” he asked, obviously assuming nothing.
Wisely, Carly didn’t butt in like she’d been doing all night and left this decision up to Kerri. She took a huge leap of faith. “Since we’re now heading to the same place, sure.”
The four of them walked back to the parking lot together, and Ian directed her to a two-door, champagne-colored Lexus coupe. He opened the passenger side for her, and she slid inside. Once he closed the door and she was enveloped in the enticing scent of leather and man, she realized her mistake. She was well and truly all alone with Ian, and they still had one unresolved issue between them.
How would their date end?